National 1 (Spotlight Weekly)

Clarifying Stand

A week after his strong anti-monarchy statements, Congress president Koirala tones down his language and projects his stand in a sober and softer manner

By KESHAB POUDEL

Surrounded mostly by irresponsible and irrational party colleagues, Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, one of the most senior political leaders in the country, has only a few ones around whom he could fully trust. Despite all this, Koirala, who has sacrificed all his political life in the course of democracy, is reasonably far better leader within the Congress party.

"I was often misquoted and I frequently read distorted version of my opinions appearing in the media. In public speech, I made lengthy statements describing the whole scenario but the media bring out only sensitive portion editing other supplementing clarifications," Koirala said in an interaction with the media recently.

Koirala : Much on his shoulder

Congress leader Koirala, who was prime minister for more than seven years, knows Nepalese politics inside out and is privy to power equations. While recounting his experiences of different times, Koirala, however, did not explain what was the reason for continued destabilization of political process in the country.

Koirala - who reportedly met Maoist leader one year ago in certain location in Indian capital - holds the contradictory stand regarding the origin of the Maoists and role of Royal Nepalese Army and Palace.

"Maoist leaders phoned me two weeks ago seeking my points of view on their proposed demands. I have made them clear that only through the revival of House of Representatives can their problems be settled," said Koirala. "Once the House of Representatives is revived, it will take all necessary course to settle the Maoist issue. The House of Representatives can be revived by the King exercising article 127 or through the recommendation of prime minister."

Just a day before the interaction, Koirala who spoke very cautiously not to use a harsh language against monarchy, student groups representing five major political parties took the procession at street chanting cheap and derogatory slogans against monarchy.

Congress leader Koirala, one of the senior most political leaders of the country and who is still committed to the cause of his brother's national reconciliation, has wisely softened his stand. But the prevailing mood still suggests that political confrontation is inevitable with the country's political forces further sabotaging the the possibility to revive the House of Representatives.

"Our agitation is not against the institution of monarchy but it is against the King who does not want to hand over the power to the people," said Koirala. "If the King is really committed to the institution monarchy and democracy, he can revive the house giving the reign of power to the people. If King revive the house, we will be responsible in dealing with the Maoists," said Koirala.

Touring around the country addressing dozens of mass meetings in different parts of the country, Koirala, the country's eldest political leader, finds little time to rest. Koirala is leading political agitation siding with liberal as well as hard core communists leaders who do not have any faith on Koirala's brand of liberal democracy. But he seems to be alone in his party. Even when Koirala tries to pacify the statement against monarchy, his so called second generation leaders are trying to widen the rift between the party and the King.

Being a man with vast political experiences and intense knowledge, Koirala failed to find good companion in his political life — one who could correct him and put him to a right track whenever he digresses.

"I will hand over the party leadership to new generation once the constitution is brought to the right track," said Koirala. "Every political force has future in this constitution. If we agree to change the constitution, it will destabilize the nation once again. I don't think the constitution poses hindrance in finding amicable solution to present insurgency."

At his last leg of political career, Congress president Koirala, who can play a role of political guardian to bring the normalcy in the country, is treading the course of confrontation leading a group of confused people with vested interest. Unfortunately, Koirala cannot break his political association like King. As long as the country's liberal and traditional forces continue to be in confrontational course, the country, democracy and constitutional process will have to suffer.